New radio station hits the airwaves of south Leeds and Wakefield

Ricky Charlesworth

A New digital radio network is set to launch its first station tomorrow.

Rhubarb Radio hits the airwaves on Sunday at noon from its state-of-the-art studios in Wakefield’s Trinity Business Park.

The network, run by volunteers, is targeting more than half a million people across South Leeds and the Wakefield district, areas which are at the heart of the rhubarb triangle.

The launch is the first of five proposed online stations.

Sunday’s station will broadcast news, information and music 24 hours a day and will also provide live commentary for local sports teams such as Wakefield Trinity and Ossett Town FC.

Four more online stations are set to follow over the course of the next 12 months.

Dave Stankler, launch operations director for the Rhubarb Radio Network, said: “With listening habits having changed over recent years, a radio station can now build a credible brand and audience through digital online coverage on smartphones, tablets, computers and laptops.

“The technology is now available to deliver high quality audio with digital and online listening seeing huge growth.

“We see the Rhubarb Radio brand growing over the coming 12 months, and if Orange and Apple can be global brands, why not rhubarb too?”

Gareth Smith, Rhubarb Radio’s station director, said: “We are all so excited to see the hard work over the last six months.

“The team have worked tirelessly ready for launch.

“We have had amazing local support from businesses in the area.

“As we say, tasty radio is here.”

The station can be heard online by visiting rhubarbradio.co.uk.

Alternatively, download the free app.

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